Items filtered by date: January 2024

Embarking on a journey toward strong and resilient feet involves incorporating specific exercises into your routine, addressing various aspects of foot health. Toe taps, a fundamental exercise, enhance flexibility and stimulate blood circulation. Rolling a tennis ball beneath the arches provides a soothing massage, relieving tension and promoting balance. Calf raises strengthen the muscles in the lower legs, fostering stability and support. Towel scrunches engage the toes, improving dexterity and activating the intricate muscles in the feet. Ankle circles offer a full range of motion, enhancing joint flexibility. Pointing and flexing the feet, akin to ballet exercises, stretches and strengthens the muscles in the entire foot. These targeted exercises contribute to improved posture, balance, and overall foot function. If you are seeking additional information about specific foot stretches, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Scott Matthews, DPM, MD from Salem Foot Care . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctor to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Wikesboro, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Sever's disease, a common heel condition among active children, can cause discomfort, but incorporating gentle stretches into daily routines can offer relief. Targeting the calf muscles, a simple standing calf stretch involves placing the affected foot behind the other, pressing the heel into the ground. The soleus stretch, achieved by bending the knee while keeping the heel on the floor, targets the deeper calf muscles. Additionally, the seated hamstring stretch aids in maintaining flexibility in the lower leg. Gentle Achilles stretches, with a focus on controlled movements, can also contribute to easing the tension associated with Sever's disease. Incorporating these stretches into daily activities promotes flexibility and aids in managing discomfort. To prevent exacerbating symptoms, it is important to perform these exercises consistently and avoid overexertion. If your active child has heel pain, it is strongly suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can diagnose and offer additional relief options. 

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Scott Matthews, DPM, MD from Salem Foot Care . Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Wikesboro, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

For runners, ankle sprains can be a frustrating setback, but understanding the nature of the injury is key to effective recovery. Ankle sprains are classified into three grades, with grades 1 and 2 involving varying degrees of ligament overstretching or partial tearing, while grade 3 signifies a complete tear. The most common type is the lateral or inversion sprain, occurring when the foot rolls outward, injuring the outer ligament that connects the ankle bone to the calf bone. In contrast, the rarer medial ligament sprain happens when the foot rolls inward, affecting ligaments on the inner side of the ankle. Runners may also face the challenge of high ankle sprains, which occur above the ankle in the lower leg. This type of sprain results from a downward pointing and twisting motion. This causes a stretch of the syndesmotic ligaments that connect the tibia and fibula in the lower leg to the top of the foot. It is essential that runners do not ignore such injuries, as failing to heal from an ankle sprain completely can cause chronic weak ankles. For an exam, diagnosis, and treatment options, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist as quickly as possible after being injured. 

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with Scott Matthews, DPM, MD from Salem Foot Care . Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Wikesboro, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

While flip flops may be a staple of warm weather wardrobes, they pose a significant risk to the health of our feet. These flimsy sandals lack proper arch support and cushioning, exposing our feet to a host of issues. The flat, thin soles fail to absorb shock, leading to increased pressure on the heels and arches, which can contribute to conditions like plantar fasciitis. The lack of ankle support also increases the risk of sprains and strains. Additionally, constant gripping to keep flip flops in place can lead to toe deformities and exacerbate existing conditions, such as bunions. The open design exposes feet to external elements, making them susceptible to injuries, infections, and sunburn. Long-term use of flip flops can result in altered walking patterns, affecting overall posture. To safeguard foot health, it is essential to choose footwear that provides adequate support and protection, relegating flip flops to short-term, low impact use. If you are interested in additional information about the impact flip flops may have on the feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Flip-flops can cause a lot of problems for your feet. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Scott Matthews, DPM, MD from Salem Foot Care . Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

Flip-Flops and Feet

Flip-flops have managed to become a summer essential for a lot of people. While the shoes may be stylish and easy to slip on and off, they can be dangerous to those who wear them too often. These shoes might protect you from fungal infections such as athlete’s foot, but they can also give you foot pain and sprained ankles if you trip while wearing them.

When Are They Okay to Wear?

Flip-flops should only be worn for very short periods of time. They can help protect your feet in places that are crawling with fungi, such as gym locker rooms. Athlete’s foot and plantar warts are two common fungi that flip-flops may help protect your feet against.

Why Are They Bad for My Feet?

These shoes do not offer any arch support, so they are not ideal for everyday use. They also do not provide shock absorption or heel cushioning which can be problematic for your feet. Additionally, you may suffer from glass cuts, puncture wounds, and stubbed toes since they offer little protection for your feet.

More Reasons Why They Are Bad for Your Feet

• They Slow You Down
• May Cause Blisters and Calluses
• Expose Your Feet to Bacteria

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Wikesboro, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Plantar fasciitis is a common and often painful condition that affects the sole of the foot, particularly the heel area. It occurs when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, becomes inflamed or irritated. The primary symptom of plantar fasciitis is intense heel pain, typically described as a stabbing sensation, especially during the first steps in the morning or after prolonged periods of rest. This condition is commonly associated with factors like excessive standing, walking, running, or wearing shoes with inadequate arch support. Treatment for plantar fasciitis often begins with conservative measures, such as rest and stretching exercises to alleviate inflammation and improve flexibility. Wearing supportive footwear and orthotic inserts can provide relief by reducing strain on the plantar fascia. In cases where conservative methods fail to provide relief, more advanced treatments such as corticosteroid injections, shockwave therapy, or night splints may be recommended. Surgery is considered a last resort for severe cases. If you have persistent heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment that is right for you.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Scott Matthews, DPM, MD  from Salem Foot Care . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Wikesboro, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.